Evaluating Sources
Who is the intended audience? Is this a scholarly professional publication? Or popular literature, intended for the general public? Or a source that was never published, and is just "out there”
Is the information still considered valid? Or is it dated?
Is this a primary source, such as a report from a research study by the authors?
Is it a secondary source which compiles, analyzes or evaluates a primary source? commentary on another source? Is it simply opinion?
What is the author's goal of the article / book / website?
What qualifications does the author have? Why does this author have credibility? Is the author trustworthy?
Prepared by Catherine Gray, University Library Center Librarian, ISU-Idaho Falls used with permission
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